Sartaj Aziz calls for talks as Pakistan frees 172 Indian fishermen
Release of inmates coincides with crucial World Cup cricket match
Released Indian fishermen prepare to board train at Karachi Cantt Station. PHOTO: INP
KARACHI:
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s top aide on foreign affairs and national security, Sartaj Aziz, underscored the need for meaningful and serious dialogue between Pakistan and India as Islamabad ordered the release of 172 Indian fishermen from Malir district jail.
In an interview, Sartaj said the United States and other western countries recognise that India has not done good to unilaterally call off the foreign secretary level talks in August last year. The world community is urging both the South Asian neighbours to move forward on the dialogue process.
Already, he said, headway has been made on crunch issues like Sir Creek and Siachen glacier. He said India's interference inside Pakistan will also be part of discussions.
Talking to state-run braodcaster PTV, Sartaj said all issues including Kashmir will be discussed during Indian foreign secretary’s visit to Pakistan.
Fishermen released
Some 172 Indian fishermen, who were serving prison terms at the Malir district jail for straying into the territorial waters of Pakistan, were released on Sunday. Their release coincided with a crucial World Cup 2015 fixture between Pakistan and India.
“As a gesture of goodwill, the government has set free a total of 172 Indian fishermen today, while 349 more Indian inmates await their release orders,” said Superintendent Muhammad Hassan Sehto.
He was talking to the media after the inmates’ release. “The Indian fishermen will travel by train to Lahore, where they will be handed over to the Indian authorities at the Wagah border.”
Earlier on February 9, the interior ministry had approved the release of 172 Indian fishermen and subsequently informed the provincial government about the matter.
Prison authorities with the assistance of non-governmental organisations such as Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) and Saiban Welfare Organisation, handed out cash and gifts to the fishermen as a token to celebrate their release.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 16th, 2015.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s top aide on foreign affairs and national security, Sartaj Aziz, underscored the need for meaningful and serious dialogue between Pakistan and India as Islamabad ordered the release of 172 Indian fishermen from Malir district jail.
In an interview, Sartaj said the United States and other western countries recognise that India has not done good to unilaterally call off the foreign secretary level talks in August last year. The world community is urging both the South Asian neighbours to move forward on the dialogue process.
Already, he said, headway has been made on crunch issues like Sir Creek and Siachen glacier. He said India's interference inside Pakistan will also be part of discussions.
Talking to state-run braodcaster PTV, Sartaj said all issues including Kashmir will be discussed during Indian foreign secretary’s visit to Pakistan.
Fishermen released
Some 172 Indian fishermen, who were serving prison terms at the Malir district jail for straying into the territorial waters of Pakistan, were released on Sunday. Their release coincided with a crucial World Cup 2015 fixture between Pakistan and India.
“As a gesture of goodwill, the government has set free a total of 172 Indian fishermen today, while 349 more Indian inmates await their release orders,” said Superintendent Muhammad Hassan Sehto.
He was talking to the media after the inmates’ release. “The Indian fishermen will travel by train to Lahore, where they will be handed over to the Indian authorities at the Wagah border.”
Earlier on February 9, the interior ministry had approved the release of 172 Indian fishermen and subsequently informed the provincial government about the matter.
Prison authorities with the assistance of non-governmental organisations such as Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) and Saiban Welfare Organisation, handed out cash and gifts to the fishermen as a token to celebrate their release.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 16th, 2015.